Annual Festival List, 2026 - Vikram Samvat 2082-2083
January 03 : Posh Sud Punam
(Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami Diksha Day)
Celebrates the day Mul Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami was initiated into the sadhu-fold by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
January 14 : Posh Vad Ekadashi
(Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan))
The day the sun begins to move of daylight hours. It is a time to be charitable by giving grains, clothes and money.
January 23 : Maha Sud Pancham
(Vasant Panchmi)
Signifies the onset of spring. For the Swaminarayan Sampraday it holds a special significance, since, on this day Bhagwan Swaminarayan presented the 'Shikshapatri' in its final form. It is also the birthday of Brahmanand Swami, Nishkulanand Swami and Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj (founder of the BAPS).
January 26 : Maha Sud Atham
(Republic Day)
The day the independent nation of India adopted its constitution.
February 02 : Maha Vad Padvo
(Mahant Swami Maharaj Janma Jayanti Celebration)
The birthday of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj
February 15 : Maha Vad Teras
(Shivratri)
This is a festival in honor of Lord Shiv whose marriage to Parvati took place on this day. People observe a fast on this day and stay awake throughout the night, praying to Lord Shiv
March 02 : Fagan Sud Chaudas/Punam
(Holi)
In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, devotees celebrate the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
March 08 : Fagan Vad Pancham
(Pushpadolotsav)
Celebrates the protection of Prahlad from his father, the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad was seated in a fire with his aunt, Holika. She perished in the fire, but Prahlad survived. In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, devotees celebrate the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
March 26 : Chaitra Sud Atham/Nom
(Ramnavmi)
The birthday of Bhagwan Ram.
March 26 : Chaitra Sud Atham/Nom
(Hari-Nom - Bhagwan Swaminarayan's Birthday)
The birthday of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
April 02 : Chaitra Sud Punam
(Hanuman Jayanti)
The birthday of Hanumanji, devotee of Bhagwan Ram.
April 30 : Vaishakh Sud Chaudas
(Nrusinh Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Nrusinh, conquerer of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu.
May 01 : Vaishakh Sud Punam
( Buddha Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
May 14 : Vaishakh Vad Baras
(Yogi Jayanti)
The birthday of Yogiji Maharaj,the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
June 18 : Jeth Sud Choth
(Pramukh Varni Din)
The day Pramukh Swami Maharaj, as a young 28-year-old, was appointed as the administrative president of BAPS by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.
July 16 : Ashadh Sud Bij
(Rathyatra)
Annual festival in which murtis of the Lord are paraded in decorated chariots around the city. A mammoth festival is held in Jagannathpuri.
July 25 : Ashadh Sud Ekadashi
(Devpodhi Ekadashi)
The first day of Chaturmas - the four holy months. During these months, extra devotional observances are undertaken.
July 29 : Ashadh Sud Punam
(Guru Purnima)
The day on which devotees honor their guru. They pay their respects and offer their gratitude for the spiritual guidance the guru gives.
August 15 : Shravan Sud Trij
(Independence Day)
The day on which India became an independent, democratic nation.
August 28 : Shravan Sud Punam
(Raksha Bandhan)
September 04 : Shravan Vad Atham
(Janmashtami)
The birthday of Bhagwan Krishna.
September 12 : Bhadarvo Sud Padvo
(Sam Shravani)
Sadhus and Samvedi Brahmins change their janoi (sacred thread) on this day.
September 14 : Bhadarvo Sud Trij
(Ganesh Chaturthi)
The birthday of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiv and Shri Parvatiji.
September 22 : Bhadarvo Sud Ekadashi
(Jal Jhilani Ekadashi)
The midpoint of chaturmas. The Lord is taken for a boat ride.
September 23 : Bhadarvo Sud Baras
(Vaman Jayanti)
October 04 : Bhadarvo Vad Nom
(Mahant Swami Maharaj Janma Jayanti)
The birthday of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj
October 11 : Aso Sud Padvo
(Start of Navratri)
Festival of the nine nights. A period in which special prayers are offered to Shri Parvati, also called Goddess Durga. It celebrates her victory over the demon, Mahishasur.
October 20 : Aso Sud Dasham
(Vijaya Dashmi)
October 25 : Aso Sud Chaudas
(Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami's Birthday)
The birthday of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami.
November 05 : Aso Vad Ekadashi
(Vagh Baras)
Cows, symbolizing Mother Nature, are worshipped on this day.
November 06 : Aso Vad Baras/Teras
(Dhan Teras/Lakshmi Pujan)
On this day, one's wealth is worshipped and prayers are offered to God for the wisdom to use one's wealth for noble and virtuous purposes only.
November 07 : Aso Vad Teras/Chaudas
(Kali Chaudash)
Prayers are offered to protect one from the evil forces of life.
November 08 : Aso Vad Chaudas/Amas
(Diwali)
Diwali symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmiji, is worshipped on this day to receive blessings for future prosperity.
November 10 : Kartak Sud Padvo
(Annakut and Bestu Varash)
Offering of different varieties of food to the deities. The first day of the Hindu New Year.
November 11 : Kartak Sud Bij
(Bhai Beej)
The day on which brothers are invited to dine at their sister's house.
November 21 : Kartak Sud Ekadashi/Baras
(Prabodhini Ekadashi)
The last day of Chaturmas, after which all extra spiritual observances undertaken over the previous four months may be relaxed.
November 24 : Kartak Sud Punam
(Dev Diwali)
Signifies the return of God after spending Chaturmas with King Bali. Today is a day to resolve to free oneself of base instincts.
December 17 : Magshar Sud Atham
(Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Jayanti)
The birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 5th spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.